Category Archives: Drug Abuse

MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxy-N-methamphetamine) is an empathogenic drug of the phenethylamine and amphetamine classes of drugs. MDMA has become widely known as “ecstasy” (shortened to “E“, “X“, or “XTC“), usually referring to its street pill form, although this term may also include the presence of possible adulterants. The term “molly” or “mandy” colloquially refers to MDMA in powder or crystalline form, usually implying a higher level of purity.[3]

MDMA can induce euphoria, a sense of intimacy with others, and diminished anxiety. Many studies, particularly in the fields of psychology and cognitive therapy, have suggested that MDMA has therapeutic benefits and facilitates therapy sessions in certain individuals, a practice for which it had formally been used in the past. Clinical trials are now testing the therapeutic potential of MDMA for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety associated with terminal cancer.[4][5]

MDMA is criminalized in most countries (though some civil society initiatives—such as the Global Commission on Drug Policy—consider educating the public about the drug more important than curtailing supply[6]) and its possession, manufacture, or sale may result in criminal prosecution. Some limited exceptions exist for scientific and medical research. For 2008 the UN estimated between 10–25 million people globally used MDMA at least once in the past year. This was broadly similar to the number of cocaine, amphetamine and opioid users, but far fewer than the global number of cannabis users.[7] It is taken in a variety of contexts far removed from its roots in psychotherapeutic settings and is commonly associated with dance parties (or “raves”) and electronic dance music.[8]

Regulatory authorities in several locations around the world have approved scientific studies administering MDMA to humans to examine its therapeutic potential and its effects.[9]

Medical use

See also: Effects of MDMA on the human body

There have long been suggestions that MDMA might be useful in psychotherapy, facilitating self-examination with reduced fear.[10][11][12] Indeed, some therapists, including Leo Zeff, Claudio Naranjo, George Greer, Joseph Downing, and Philip Wolfson, used MDMA in their practices until it was made illegal. George Greer synthesized MDMA in the lab of Alexander Shulgin and administered it to about 80 of his clients over the course of the remaining years preceding MDMA’s Schedule I placement in 1985. In a published summary of the effects,[13] the authors reported patients felt improved in various mild psychiatric disorders and experienced other personal benefits, especially improved intimate communication with their significant others. In a subsequent publication on the treatment method, the authors reported that one patient with severe pain from terminal cancer experienced lasting pain relief and improved quality of life.[14]

Recently, two randomized controlled trials of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD were published. Although small, these trials are consistent with earlier results. The patients treated with 2-3 sessions of MDMA-psychotherapy showed greater improvement than the ones treated by placebo-psychotherapy[15] or placebo-inactive dose of MDMA.[16] This improvement was generally maintained on a follow-up several years later.[17]

Small doses of MDMA are used as an entheogen to enhance prayer or meditation by some religious practitioners.[18]

Main article: Poly drug use

MDMA is occasionally known for being taken in conjunction with psychedelic drugs, such as LSD or psilocybin mushrooms, or even common drugs such as cannabis. As this practice has become more prevalent, most of the more common combinations have been given nicknames, such as “candy flipping” for MDMA combined with LSD, “hippy flipping” for MDMA with psilocybin mushrooms, or “kitty flipping” for MDMA with ketamine.[19] The term “flipping” may come from the subjective effects of using MDMA with a psychedelic in which the user may shift rapidly between a more lucid state and a more psychedelic state several times during the course of their experience. Many users use mentholated products while taking MDMA for its cooling sensation while experiencing the drug’s effects. Examples include menthol cigarettes, Vicks VapoRub, NyQuil,[20] and lozenges.

Subjective effects

The primary effects attributable to MDMA consumption are predictable and fairly consistent among users. In general, users begin reporting subjective effects within 30–60 minutes of consumption, hitting a peak at approximately 75–120 minutes, reaching a plateau that lasts about 3.5 hours.[21] This is followed by a comedown of a few hours. After the drug has run its course, many users report feeling fatigue.

Adverse effects

In January 2001, an overview of the subjective side-effects of MDMA was published by Liechti, Gamma, and Vollenweider in the journal Psychopharmacology. Their paper was based on clinical research conducted over several years involving 74 healthy volunteers. The researchers found that there were a number of common side-effects and that many of the effects seemed to occur in different amounts based on the sex of the user. The top side-effects reported were difficulty concentrating, jaw clenching, grinding of the teeth during sleep, lack of appetite, and dry mouth/thirst (all occurring in more than 50% of the 74 volunteers). Liechti, et al., also measured some of the test subjects for blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature against a placebo control but no statistically significant changes were seen.[21][22]

A study from Johns Hopkins Medical School in 2008 found a slight but significant correlation of cognitive deficiency in MDMA users, but admitted that this data may be confounded by other illicit drug use. The significant finding of the article was the serotonergic neurotoxicity in stacked doses and a lasting decrease in serotonin reuptake (SERT) binding. In rats, high doses and in high temperatures, serotonergic neurotoxicity is limited and dopaminergic neurotoxicity occurs. However, rats may not be a generalizable model for human neurotoxicity studies.[23]

However, a 2011 study carried out by Harvard Medical School and published in the journal Addiction found no signs of cognitive impairment due to ecstasy use, and that it did not decrease mental ability. The report also raised concerns that previous methods used to conduct that research on ecstasy had been flawed, and the experiments overstated the cognitive differences between ecstasy users and nonusers.[24]

After-effects

Effects reported by some users once the acute effects of MDMA have worn off include:

Psychological

Anxiety and paranoia

Depression[25][26][27][28]

Irritability[26]

Fatigue[27][28]

Impaired attention, focus, and concentration, as well as drive and motivation (due to depleted serotonin levels)[25]

Residual feelings of empathy, emotional sensitivity, and a sense of closeness to others (afterglow)

Physiological

Dizziness, lightheadedness, or vertigo[28]

Loss of appetite[25]

Gastrointestinal disturbances, such as diarrhea or constipation

Insomnia[25]

Aches and pains, usually from excessive physical activity (e.g., dancing)[25][27]

Exhaustion[26][28]

Jaw soreness, from bruxism[28][29][30]

A slang term given to the depressive period following MDMA consumption is Tuesday Blues (or “Suicide Tuesday”), referring to the low mood that can be experienced midweek by depleted serotonin levels following MDMA use on the previous Friday or Saturday when raves or dance concerts were frequently scheduled. Some users report that consuming 5-HTP, L-Tryptophan and vitamins the day after use can reduce the depressive effect by replenishing serotonin levels (magnesium supplements are also used prior to or during use, in an attempt to prevent jaw/muscle clenching).[31]

Mississippi Sipp 1 Life 2 Live Da Album (CED-T Dedication/Alternate Album cover) (Released May 23,2012)

Mississippi Sipp- Pimp Tendencies Da Album (Due Out Late 2013/2014)

Kandy Paint Records Terry Terell Brisco, aka Mississippi Sipp, began his career by distributing his records through a small Leland,Ms Area record label. He started out in Arlington,Virginia where his mother resided. Despite being on the East Coast, Mississippi Sipp maintained his connections to the South through his Grandmother and Uncles who remained in Leland,Mississippi. Terry “Mississippi Sipp” Brisco signed his lifetime friends and family Big Mook,Black Dog Puna,Reign (his half cousin) & Marchello “Clak” Wright. Later he and Big Mook (along with his uncle Iceburg) went on to form the group KPR. During the early 2000’s, Mississippi Sipp released a few solo albums Cadillac Dope Boy & Tawk Real Da Album, with very much success. However, Mississippi Sipp was able to garner notoriety for himself and Kandy Paint Records in the South by collaborating with various mississippi artists and through his shop compilation albums One Percenters,Pimp Tendency & Kandy Paint Records 5 Stars. Following his success on the East Coast in May 2005, Mississippi Sipp decided the time was right to expand his label. After signing several digital online deals and a Internet buzz thats so big. Mississippi Sipp moved Kandy Paint Records and set up in Leland,Mississippi. He brought his sister,management and entourage. In 2011, Kandy Paint Records plan to sign a huge digital distribution deal with Apple to distribute Kandy Paint Records music. Mississippi Sipp will maintain ownership of all of his master recordings,publishing and his studio. He also became the label’s main artist, and also will releasing the album 1 Life 2 Live later this year. By 2013, Kandy Paint Records will grow to consist of Mississippi Sipp, Big Mook, Black Dog Puna,Reign,& Clake. Mississippi Sipp also writes,produce,direct,act and screen write. This started his movie career which will lead to films such as Rise 2 Fame & Welcome 2 Leland. Big Mook, Golden Boy, debuted at Number One in the streets.Many of the Kandy Paint Records artists will reach longevity and complete other projects. By 2013, it appears that the focus of Kandy Paint Records was unlimited to the Leland Mississippi family. This notion was further strengthened with the release of his artist, Black Dog Puna self titled debut album. On January 12,2013, the company buzz was so large that they literally had the Internet going nuts. Mississippi Sipp realized it is more sensible to continue to run Kandy Paint Records and organize and finance the company with profits from Digital Downloads & Club Appearance sales. He named his publishing company “Pure Players Entertainment”. By 2014, the organized label has full ownership. Kandy Paint Records look forward to developing its very own distribution company, Cross Da Bay Entertainment.

Yes and no. Molly is legal in New York state and under federal law. But a user can be charged with possession of an imitation controlled substance. A user can also be charged under the Federal Analog Act, which makes illegal any drug that is an analog, or derivative, of a controlled substance. Learn more about Molly legality in Onondaga County.

How do local officials define Molly?

Molly is a mixture of plant fertilizer out of China, New Zealand or Australia, and other types of synthetic drugs that appear to give the same high as ecstasy or MDMA. Learn more about how Onondaga County’s District Attorney’s office defines Molly.

Why is it called Molly?

Nobody knows. Local officials speculate the slang term “sounds cool” to the people who originally created Molly.

Where is Molly found?

Law enforcement officials seize Molly from private residences and local apartments on and near Syracuse University’s campus. Murfreesboro, Tenn., and Marin County, Calif., also cite surges in Molly use during the last year. See where else Molly has been found using our interactive map.

Who uses Molly?

Molly use is popular in Syracuse suburbs, and on and around college campuses. Learn more about why Molly is popular in the suburb and college demographics.

Why do some users consider Molly “safer?”

Molly is sold as pure MDMA, which means unlike ecstasy, it’s not supposed to be cut with any fillers or other drugs. However, there is no sure way to know what is in Molly without a forensic test.

What are Molly bath salts?

In some parts of the country, Molly bath salts are marketed as similar to synthetic marijuana, called “spice” or “K2″. They’re labeled as bath products, but Internet commenters describe the experience of sniffing them as creating effects similar to “legal cocaine” or “legal speed.” Learn more about the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency’s investigation into bath salts, K2 and “legal marijuana”.

What is Molly’s Plant Food?

Molly’s Plant Food is a synthetic hallucinogenic amphetamine marketed as a “plant food” that contains ingredients that produce highs similar to Ecstasy. Molly’s Plant Food is usually purchased at a convenience store. The label warns “not for human consumption”; however it is packaged in a psychedelic colored wrapper and several Internet web sites and chat rooms refer to the product as “legal ecstasy”. The active ingredient is mephedrone, which is not a scheduled (DEA) drug, therefore making it legal.

What is mephedrone?

Mephedrone, as well as ketamine, are designer amphetamine drugs that have been found in tests of Molly.

How will Molly affect me?

Molly affects users in a number of ways. Most significantly, it causes craving and addiction in the brain, but it can also lead to changes in mood, body temperature, etc. Learn more about the diverse effects of Molly.

What will happen if I mix Molly with another drug?

Most of the time, Molly is mixed with another drug. The effects strongly depend on your tolerance, what drug it is mixed with, and how much of each drug is used. Learn more about the difference between mixing Molly with a stimulant versus a depressant.

How addictive is Molly?

Molly, as a term used to describe pure MDMA, is addictive in the sense that users will experience what is called “tissue dependency.” The body can become dependent on the stimulant effects that the drug provides. This type of dependency is what leads the body to crash after the drug wears off. Users will feel the urge to take another dose in order to get the stimulant effect again.

MDMA is both hallucinogenic and stimulant, but the stimulant properties are most likely to lead to addiction. If Molly is cut with another stimulant, such as cocaine or amphetamine, the addictiveness increases.

Can you overdose on Molly?

Yes. It is rare for a death to be caused entirely by Molly or MDMA, but it is possible to overdose. The typical recreational dose ranges from 80-150 milligrams (200+ mg is considered a heavy dosage). Going beyond that can result in a number of things, most likely vomiting, headaches and dizziness.